“The detainees in police cells or in prisons are being detained under the most favourable conditions possible…”
Minister of Police, Louis le Grange, in Parliament, 1982
Two days later, Dr Neil Aggett was found hanging from the bars of the steel grille in his cell in John Vorster Square.
He had spent 70 days in detention. He was the 51st person, and the first white person, to die in detention. He was 28.
Today the idealism and sacrifice displayed by Neil Aggett and so many others appears to have been replaced by cynicism and hand-wringing. This is as much the story of a remarkable young man as it is a reminder that every generation needs its idealists.
“An exceptionally moving chronicle of the suffering and heroism of Neil Aggett, and a timely reminder of the price paid for our democracy. Meticulous and totally absorbing.’
PETER HARRIS
…at once disturbing and inspiring. Without question one of the best accounts yet of white activism and black struggles available…”
PROFESSOR JONATHAN JANSEN
“…beautifully written… weaves a rich tapestry of the interplay between personal, professional and political.”
DR MAMPHELA RAMPHELE
